Health Department Reminds Residents to Plan Ahead and Stay Safe in the Heat

The Long Beach Health Department is reminding Long Beach residents to play it safe and protect themselves from heat-related illness. Today’s excessive heat watch advisory for Southwest California by the National Weather Service highlights the importance for Long Beach residents to be prepared. Projected temperatures in Long Beach this week remains in the 80 degree range. These conditions do not rise to the level of a heat emergency.

“The projected temperatures for Long Beach, this week, do not warrant a heat emergency,” says Dr. Mauro Torno, Interim City Health Officer, “But is important that our community remembers to practice heat precautions during the summer months, especially while participating in outdoor activities.”

The elderly, people with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions), or people unable to move or change position by themselves, infants and preschool children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. However, everyone should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion:

Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during and after outdoor activities;

Limit exposure to the sun during peak hours, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;

Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors;

Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol;

Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day;

Move to a cooler location at the first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps). Rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool liquid;